A Few More Names

So many people reached out after Toxicity Is Genderless. Thank you for reading, and an extra thank you for engaging with it. I asked who you'd be glad to see a boy look up to, and you sent me names.

As you can probably tell, I still don't really know what this site is. Writing here helps me think through whatever is on my mind, and that can vary pretty widely. I appreciate you coming along for it, and taking the time to tell me what it brought to mind for you.

Here are some of the names you shared:

• Luke Skywalker, specifically in the comics set after Return of the Jedi.
• Jonathan Kent, Superman's adoptive father.
• Rupert Giles, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
• Phil Dunphy, from Modern Family — with a broader nomination for most of the men on that show.
• Bandit, from Bluey.
• Harold Weir, the dad from Freaks and Geeks.
• Mr. Matthews, Mr. Feeny, and Mr. Turner, from Boy Meets World.
• John Cena.
• Jon Stewart.

There are a lot of dads and teachers here. You can carry an idea of how a father or a teacher ought to treat someone long after you've stopped watching the show. Fictional people, but something real to take from them.

Anyway, thanks. For reading, for writing back, and for giving me more to think about.